ETW STAFF – Mumbai
Tourism New Zealand and Auckland Airport have welcomed the announcement from Malaysia Airlines to increase the number of flights from six to seven per week during the peak season. These services will be valid from November 24, 2013 to January 27, 2014. The announcement will see the Kuala Lumpur to Auckland service provide an extra ten flights in total to the schedule during the peak travel time.
In the past Tourism New Zealand has been collaborating with Malaysia Airlines to promote special travel deals, allowing visitors to explore the many great destinations New Zealand has to offer. Indian arrivals to New Zealand have been on a consistent rise and there has also been an increase in bookings of Indian travellers flying to the country on Malaysia Airlines. Thus, India continues to remain an important market for both Tourism New Zealand and Malaysia Airlines.
Commenting on the new announcement, Azahar Hamid, regional vice president – South Asia & Middle East said, “India remains in the top five Asian countries for tourist arrivals to New Zealand and we are hoping that with this collaboration, we can increase the potential of tourists considering travelling. New Zealand continues to be an important destination for Indians and Malaysia Airlines is a major player in the market. With Tourism New Zealand’s support, we are hoping this new strategy will be successful to attract more holiday seekers from India.”
Tourism New Zealand’s acting chief executive Justin Watson added that the enhanced connectivity and increased capacity will support the organisation’s new three-year strategy and its focus on growing arrivals from South and South East Asian markets, particularly those from India. “This focus is shared by Malaysian Airlines and Auckland International Airport,” said Watson. “By adopting a collaborative approach to marketing and trade engagement, we are confident of an increase in travellers from the target markets of India and Malaysia.”
